The letter X is the most known symbol of straight edge, commonly worn as a marking, symbol or tattoo on the back of one or both hands, though it can be displayed on other body parts as well. Some followers are known as "hardcore kids" referring to the hardcore and punk music scene in which straight edge is prevalent. Some followers of straight edge have also incorporated the symbol into clothing and pins. According to a series of interviews by journalist Michael Azerrad, the straight edge "X" can be traced to the Teen Idles' brief U.S. West Coast tour in 1980. The Teen Idles were scheduled to play at San Francisco's Mabuhay Gardens, but when the band arrived, club management discovered that the entire band was under the legal drinking age and therefore should be denied entry to the club. As a compromise, management marked each of the Idles' hands with a large black "X" as a warning to the club's staff not to serve alcohol to the band. Upon returning to Washington, D.C., the band suggested this same system to local clubs as a means to allow teenagers in to see musical performances without being served alcohol. The mark soon became associated with the straight edge lifestyle. In recent years, more music venues have slowly been adopting this system.
A variation involving a trio of X's (xXx) originated in artwork created by Minor Threat's drummer, Jeff Nelson, in which he replaced the three stars in the band's hometown Washington, DC flag with Xs. The term is sometimes abbreviated by including an X with the abbreviation of the term "straight edge" to give "sXe". By analogy, hardcore punk is sometimes abbreviated to "hXc". The X symbol can be used as a way to signify a band or person is Straight Edge, by adding the letter to the front and back, for example, the band 'xFilesx'.
Straight Edge
Minor Threat Lyrics
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But I've got better things to do
Than sit around and fuck my head
Hang out with the living dead
Snort white shit up my nose
Pass out at the shows
I don't even think about speed
That's something I just don't need
I've gone straight edge
I'm a person just like you
But I've got better things to do
Than sit around and smoke dope
Because I know that I can cope
Laugh at the thought of eating ludes
Laugh at the thought of sniffing glue
Always gonna keep in touch
Never want to use a crutch
I've gone straight edge
I've gone straight edge
I've gone straight edge
I've gone straight edge
The lyrics of Minor Threat's song "Straight Edge" express the values and ideals of the straight edge lifestyle, which emerged as a subculture within the punk rock scene in the early 1980s. The song is a manifesto of sorts, as it outlines the singer's rejection of drugs and alcohol, as well as their disdain for those who engage in such behaviors. The first stanza establishes the singer's sense of purpose and self-worth, as they claim to have "better things to do" than waste their time and health on drugs. They refer to drug users as the "living dead" and denounce their reckless behavior, such as snorting white powder and passing out at shows.
The second stanza reaffirms the singer's commitment to the straight edge lifestyle, as they reject marijuana and other drugs in favor of a clear mind and the ability to cope. They also express their distaste for other substances, such as Quaaludes and glue, and emphasize their desire to remain independent and avoid reliance on any crutches or coping mechanisms. The repeated refrain of "I've got straight edge" serves as a rallying cry for others who share these values and beliefs, and demonstrate the singer's pride in their identity as a straight edge individual.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm a person just like you
I am a human being just like you, with similar attributes and characteristics.
But I've got better things to do
However, I have a different preference in my lifestyle regarding my leisure time.
Than sit around and fuck my head
Instead of doing drugs and making my head spin, unnecessarily, I choose not to.
Hang out with the living dead
In other words, I avoid spending time with drug addicts or alcoholics who are basically throwing their precious life away.
Snort white shit up my nose
I refuse to inhale any powdery substance into my nose, like cocaine.
Pass out at the shows
I would rather remain in control of my senses and enjoy the music, without blacking out from excessive alcohol or drug consumption.
I don't even think about speed
I do not even consider consuming any form of amphetamine, as I know its potential side effects.
That's something I just don't need
I am perfectly fine without any form of substance abuse, hence I do not require it in my life.
I've got straight edge
My own personal decision to abstain from drugs, alcohol, and other such substances is known as being 'straight edge'.
Laugh at the thought of eating ludes
I even find the idea of consuming quaaludes humorous, and hence, unacceptable.
Laugh at the thought of sniffing glue
The same mentality applies to huffing glue, which seems like an unreasonable action.
Always gonna keep in touch
I remain aware of and in charge of my actions, emotions, and mental state, without the need or influence of any synthetic or harmful chemicals.
Never want to use a crutch
I strive for self-reliance and independence rather than being dependent on drugs to feel a certain way or to cope with life's struggles.
Lyrics © ROUGH TRADE PUBLISHING
Written by: Minor Threat
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind